Skegness Magazine

Source: Skegness Standard 9th August 1933

Photos: Mrs Wrate Lumley Road Post Office Skegness and C O Shepherd Skegness

Reported as ‘The most spectacular blaze in the history of the resort”.
The row of houses described in the following newspaper article is called Rainford Terrace which is on Drummond Road in Skegness.
The report says ‘ “A fiery furnace” was one description applied to the blazing premises…and those who witnessed… mentally decided that nothing could save the whole block of premises from destruction’.
The article tell us that the block was indeed saved by the Fire Services.
Rainford Terrace was owned by George F Ball, the well known auctioneer and house agent. ‘The frontage, which had a wide pavement covered with a veranda, comprises of four shops with living accommodation over. The central shop is in the occupation of Mr Leonard Swain, house furnisher, and from the shop ran a covered passageway connecting the shop with spacious furniture show rooms, warehouses, workshops etc., the latter occupying the whole of the rear area of the block’.
The article tells us about the other premises in the row: the shop on the town side of the blaze was a lock-up, known as the Seacroft Pharmacy. ( Why a ‘lock-up? Did the other premises not ‘lock up‘?). This was rented by Coun Hudson..On the Seacroft side was a ladies hairdressing salon called ‘Maison Edena’, and the last house in the row was the Seacroft Dairy. We are also told that the Seacroft Garage is nearby.
This article is linked with a rare postcard of Harry Storr’s Shop in the postcard gallery. The postcard shows one of the premises in 1920s, which was occupied by Harry Storr. By the date of this article, 1933, Harry had vacated.
We need to find out now exactly which of the four shops he occupied, and if there is any evidence today of the ‘most spectacular blaze in the history of Skegness’.
Update!
I revisited the site to look for any remaining evidence of the fire.
The following photo is of all four premises which constitutes Rainford Terrace. The fire was at the third premises along the row, the far end of the building was Harry Storr’s shop (the premises on the right in the old newspaper picture).